Shell-Backed Frying Pan can Reduce Natural Gas in Cooking
Nearly 70% of homes rely on natural gas for cooking, yet the process is alarmingly inefficient.
Around 80% of the energy from gas is lost as heat during the cooking process, contributing to unnecessary energy waste and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
While natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal, it still accounts for approximately 15% of total energy-related greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.
If current consumption rates persist, experts predict that natural gas reserves could be depleted by 2060.
To address this problem, energy giant Shell has thrown its weight behind a start-up that is revolutionising the humble frying pan through the Shell Impact Fund.
Effium Cookware is a Dutch start-up that has developed an innovative frying pan designed to dramatically reduce gas consumption in cooking.
The company says that its ultra-efficient pan requires 50% less gas to heat up compared to conventional pans and retains heat for longer periods.
Anne Schreuder, Societal Impact Director at Shell, says the pan is "an incredible solution for more sustainable cooking".
She adds: "Thanks to support from the Shell Impact Fund, Effium has been able to start production on this groundbreaking product, helping drive innovation in the energy transition space."
The Shell Impact Fund
The Impact Fund is part of Shell’s efforts to support the transition to cleaner energy solutions.
Wael Sawan, Chief Executive Officer at Shell, says: "In 2023, we invested US$5.6bn in low-carbon energy solutions, including biofuels, hydrogen, charging for electric vehicles and renewable power generation and US$2.3bn on non-energy products such as chemicals, lubricants and convenience retail, which do not produce emissions when our customers use them.
"This amounted to around one-third of our total capital spending in 2023."
Launched in 2024, the Shell Impact Fund aims to support entrepreneurs committed to a just and inclusive energy transition in the Netherlands.
With eight companies currently in its portfolio, the fund provides financial backing, expertise and access to Shell's extensive network.
The fund's impact extends beyond cookware, supporting a diverse range of technologies like energy storage solutions, energy coaching services, car-sharing platforms and water heat pumps.
Its revolving fund structure ensures ongoing support for innovative projects in the energy sector.
For Effium Cookware, the investment has been transformative. CEO and Co-Founder Surya Prakash says the investment “enables us to put the first series of pans into production, to scale up".
The story of a more efficient frying pan
Effium's pan is the result of meticulous research and development.
Prakash noticed that when cooking and in restaurant, lots of heat escapes pans and can make kitchens unbearably hot.
He says: "If we develop a smart and efficient pan for these problems — one that retains heat better — how much gas could we save worldwide with this?"
The Co-Founders took inspiration from space technology and spoke with chefs to tailor it to their needs.
Surya says: "Through those conversations, I became more and more convinced of the idea.
“We have retained what chefs like about the pan, and changed what they find less pleasant."
Wytze de Vries, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at Effium Cookware, says: "I am so excited about creating the future of cooking. Effium is all about discovering the next level."
Drawing inspiration from space technology, Effium created a durable, non-stick pan with a unique ribbed bottom design.
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